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97 Best and Fun Things To Do In Carlsbad, California


TouristWire Editors

Carlsbad, a city in California located near San Diego, is often nicknamed as “The Village by The Sea” due to its renowned beaches like the South Carlsbad State Beach and Tamarack Surf Beach. Moreover, Carlsbad is known for housing the Sea Life Aquarium and a waterpark.

Among other attractions, Carlsbad is home to LEGOLand California, and the Flower Fields where tourists can walk among acres of flowers. There is also the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, where stunning peacocks roam free.

Carlsbad is often described as having the charm of an old city in Europe, while maintaining its fun coastal Californian atmosphere. It has many restaurants and is famous for its pleasant weather, making it an ideal location to sit back, enjoy a nice meal, and look out at the stunning beachfront views.

Here’s our list of the best and most fun things to do in Carlsbad, California

The 97 Most Popular Things To Do In Carlsbad, California

97. The Royal Joust

3.0 ★★★☆☆ (1 review)

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Credit: Kirk M, Google Maps

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

96. Legoland Drive

3.0 ★★★☆☆ (2 reviews)

95. Coast Cruise

5.0 ★★★★★ (2 reviews)

800px-building legos %28775145642%29

Credit: solyanka, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/california/

94. Imagination Zone

4.5 ★★★★★ (2 reviews)

Location: Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Web Address:   http://legoland.com/

93. Carlsbad Historical Society

5.0 ★★★★★ (3 reviews)

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Credit: Marian Bohus, Google Maps

Location: 258 Beech Ave Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 434 9189

Web Address:   http://carlsbadhistoricalsociety.com/

92. Pirate Reef

4.0 ★★★★☆ (5 reviews)

Location: 1577 MarBrisa Cir Carlsbad CA

91. Terramar Beach

4.7 ★★★★★ (6 reviews)

800px-surge %2823912456975%29

Credit: Chris Hunkeler, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Carlsbad CA

90. Denk Mountain

5.0 ★★★★★ (6 reviews)

Af1qipniol1cf-z-wrbvs1c-bnxbnj9rpsx-g7ajtsmo=w592-h404-n-k-no

Credit: Carson Chiavatti, Google Maps

Location: Horned Lizard Trail Carlsbad CA

89. The Lego Movie World

4.9 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

Af1qipouhho6n9lwbw3eh9qvfj97u3if38vfloku  tk=w592-h404-n-k-no

Credit: Justin Symington, Google Maps

Location: Carlsbad CA

Web Address:   http://legoland.com/

88. Emmet’s Flying Adventure – Masters of Flight

4.6 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/theme-park/rides/emmet-s-flying-adventure-ride/

87. Buena Vista Lagoon

4.8 ★★★★★ (9 reviews)

86. Copper Creek Falls

4.3 ★★★★☆ (9 reviews)

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Credit: paterjo, Google Maps

Location: Carlsbad CA

85. Oceanside Pier

4.7 ★★★★★ (10 reviews)

84. Front Porch Gallery

4.8 ★★★★★ (10 reviews)

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Credit: Mathijs de Wit, Google Maps

Location: 2903 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 795 6120

Web Address:   http://frontporchgallery.org/

83. Safari Trek

3.4 ★★★☆☆ (11 reviews)

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Credit: wiredforlego, License, Flickr

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

82. Downtown Vista

4.5 ★★★★★ (13 reviews)

Location: 134 100 S na Ave Vista CA

81. Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League

4.6 ★★★★★ (16 reviews)

Af1qipowerkde7gmthkzdk5ggl5i4gvhxzixuujptz42=w592-h404-n-k-no

Credit: Alexandra, Google Maps

Location: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr # 101 Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 434 8497

Web Address:   https://northcoastalartgallery.com/

80. Double Peak

4.9 ★★★★★ (19 reviews)

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Credit: Jim Mullhaupt, License, Flickr

79. Lego City Deep Sea Adventure

4.6 ★★★★★ (20 reviews)

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Credit: Steven Bacon, Google Maps

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

78. Tide Beach Park

3.9 ★★★★☆ (21 reviews)

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Credit: Galyna Gutsol, Google Maps

77. Dino Island

4.7 ★★★★★ (25 reviews)

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

76. Vista Historical Society

4.6 ★★★★★ (28 reviews)

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Credit: Ankit Patel, Google Maps

Location: 2317 Old Foothill Dr Vista CA

Tel:  760 630 0444

Web Address:   https://vistahistoricalsociety.com/

75. Lego Technic Coaster

4.8 ★★★★★ (31 reviews)

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Credit: wiredforlego, License, Flickr

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  877 376 5346

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/theme-park/rides/lego-technic-coaster/

74. DUPLO Playtown

4.6 ★★★★★ (35 reviews)

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

73. Grafted Cellars

4.7 ★★★★★ (43 reviews)

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Credit: Grafted Cellars, Google Maps

Location: 2379 La Mirada Dr Vista CA

Tel:  760 295 6612

Web Address:   http://graftedcellars.com/

72. Lake Calavera Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ (44 reviews)

Location: Oak Riparian Park 4625 Lake Blvd Oceanside CA

71. Calavera Lake

4.5 ★★★★★ (45 reviews)

448px-lake calavera trails - panoramio

Credit: alicezeppelin, License, Wikimedia commons

70. LEGOLAND California Water Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ (53 reviews)

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/water-park/

69. LEGO Ninjago: The Ride

4.6 ★★★★★ (53 reviews)

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Credit: A.S.K Tutorials And More, Google Maps

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  888 690 5346

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/theme-park/rides-attractions/lego-ninjago-the-ride/

68. Agua Hedionda Lagoon

4.4 ★★★★☆ (58 reviews)

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Credit: ABM California, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Lagoon Pl Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 804 1969

Web Address:   https://aguahedionda.org/

67. San Dieguito Heritage Museum at the Heritage Ranch

4.5 ★★★★★ (59 reviews)

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Credit: Jay Clark, Google Maps

Location: 450 Quail Gardens Dr Encinitas CA

Tel:  760 632 9711

Web Address:   http://sdheritage.org/

66. Batiquitos Lagoon

4.7 ★★★★★ (62 reviews)

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Credit: Pacific Southwest Region, License, Wikimedia commons

65. Buccaneer Beach

4.5 ★★★★★ (69 reviews)

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Credit: Tanner Yates, Google Maps

Location: 1530124900 Oceanside CA

64. San Dieguito River Park – Santa Fe Valley Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ (82 reviews)

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Credit: Steve Ramirez, Google Maps

Location: 8173 Del Dios Road San Diego CA

63. Carlsbad State Beach

4.8 ★★★★★ (83 reviews)

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Credit: Visitor7, License, Wikimedia commons

Web Address:   http://parks.ca.gov/

62. Rancho Buena Vista Adobe

4.9 ★★★★★ (85 reviews)

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Credit: Ivan ST, Google Maps

Location: 640 Alta Vista Dr Vista CA

Tel:  760 639 6164

61. Rancho La Costa Reserve

4.7 ★★★★★ (99 reviews)

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Credit: Markus Stampfli, Google Maps

Location: La Costa Oaks San Marcos CA

60. Carlsbad City Beach

4.9 ★★★★★ (106 reviews)

Location: 3001 Ocean Street Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 434 2820

59. La Costa Canyon Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (110 reviews)

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Credit: David D’Ambrosio, Google Maps

Location: 3018 Pueblo Street Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 602 4690

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/38/7400

58. Rancho Guajome Adobe

4.8 ★★★★★ (127 reviews)

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Credit: Justin Symington, Google Maps

Location: 2210 N Santa Fe Ave Vista CA

Tel:  760 724 4082

Web Address:   http://sandiegocounty.gov/parks/ranchoguajomeadobe.html

57. Buena Vista Audubon Society

4.6 ★★★★★ (130 reviews)

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Credit: J.J. Springer, Google Maps

Location: 2202 S Coast Hwy Oceanside CA

Tel:  760 439 2473

Web Address:   http://bvaudubon.org/

56. Twin Oaks Golf Course

4.2 ★★★★☆ (141 reviews)

Af1qippxefpc2l0e6bgosm7eza9ynxful995f3ljkcue=w592-h404-n-k-no

Credit: Twin Oaks Golf Course, Google Maps

Location: 1425 N Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos CA

Tel:  760 591 4700

Web Address:   https://jcgolf.com/san-diego-golf-courses/twin-oaks/

55. Encinitas Ranch Golf Course

4.5 ★★★★★ (147 reviews)

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Credit: Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, Google Maps

Location: 1275 Quail Gardens Dr Encinitas CA

Tel:  760 944 1936

Web Address:   https://encinitasranchgolf.com/

54. Castle Hill

4.5 ★★★★★ (172 reviews)

Location: The Hideaways 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

53. Calavera Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ (181 reviews)

Location: 4028 Peninsula Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 434 2826

Web Address:   http://preservecalavera.org/

52. Discovery Lake

4.8 ★★★★★ (226 reviews)

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Credit: shmyla siddiqui, Google Maps

Location: 650 Foxhall Dr San Marcos CA

Tel:  760 744 1050

Web Address:   https://san-marcos.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/164/1078

51. El Camino Country Club

4.3 ★★★★☆ (258 reviews)

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Credit: El Camino Country Club, Google Maps

Location: 3202 Vista Way Oceanside CA

Tel:  760 757 2100

Web Address:   http://elcaminoclub.com/

50. State Street Farmers Market

4.6 ★★★★★ (259 reviews)

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Credit: Jason Rosenberg, License, Flickr

Location: 2907 Streetate Street Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 453 7076

Web Address:   https://carlsbad-village.com/events/farmers-market

49. Hidden Canyon Community Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (266 reviews)

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Credit: Rebecca Fuller, Google Maps

Location: 2685 Vancouver Street Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 602 4684

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/32/7400

48. Alga Norte Aquatic Center

4.7 ★★★★★ (286 reviews)

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Credit: Javier R, Google Maps

Location: 6565 Alicante Road Carlsbad CA

Tel:  442 339 5777

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/64/7401

47. Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

4.7 ★★★★★ (286 reviews)

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Credit: Karen Vranjes, Google Maps

Location: 7380 Gabbiano Ln Carlsbad CA

Tel:  442 320 7009

Web Address:   http://batiquitoslagoon.org/

46. Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (Discovery Center)

4.7 ★★★★★ (287 reviews)

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Credit: Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (Discovery Center), Google Maps

Location: 1580 Cannon Road Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 804 1969

Web Address:   http://aguahedionda.org/

45. Magee Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ (287 reviews)

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Credit: Orignaux Moose, License, Flickr

Location: 258 Beech Ave Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 602 7513

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/46/7400

44. Calavera Hills Community Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (288 reviews)

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Credit: Teresa Dominici, Google Maps

Location: 2997 Glasgow Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 602 4680

43. Stagecoach Community Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (307 reviews)

Location: 3420 Camino De Los Coches Carlsbad CA

Tel:  442 339 2690

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/22/

42. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center

4.6 ★★★★★ (320 reviews)

Location: 2710 Manchester Ave Cardiff CA

Tel:  760 634 3026

Web Address:   http://sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SanElijo.html

41. iFLY Indoor Skydiving – San Diego Oceanside

4.8 ★★★★★ (356 reviews)

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Credit: iFLY Indoor Skydiving – San Diego Oceanside, Google Maps

Location: 3178 Vista Way Oceanside CA

Tel:  760 606 4359

Web Address:   https://iflyworld.com/oceanside/

40. Pirate Shores

4.6 ★★★★★ (360 reviews)

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Credit: ..Russ.., License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

39. Aviara Community Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (397 reviews)

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Credit: Rebecca Fuller, Google Maps

Location: 6435 Ambrosia Ln Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 434 2826

Web Address:   http://carlsbadca.gov/

38. The Wave Waterpark

4.4 ★★★★☆ (404 reviews)

Location: 101 Wave Dr Vista CA

Tel:  760 940 9283

Web Address:   http://thewavewaterpark.com/

37. Oak Riparian Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (431 reviews)

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Credit: Visit Oceanside, Google Maps

Location: 4625 Lake Blvd Oceanside CA

Web Address:   https://ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/ns/parks/amenities/parks.asp

36. Hosp Grove Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (465 reviews)

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Credit: Roman Margold, Google Maps

Location: Jefferson Street Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 696 9696

35. Buena Vista Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (500 reviews)

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Credit: Ike Kim, Google Maps

Location: 1601 Shadowridge Dr Vista CA

Tel:  760 726 1340

34. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ (521 reviews)

Location: 2040 N Santa Fe Ave Vista CA

Tel:  760 941 1791

Web Address:   http://agsem.com/

33. Grandview Surf Beach

4.6 ★★★★★ (538 reviews)

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Credit: Bryce Bradford, License, Flickr

Web Address:   http://encinitasca.gov/index.aspx

32. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

4.6 ★★★★★ (547 reviews)

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Credit: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, Google Maps

Location: 1270 Vale Terrace Dr Vista CA

Tel:  760 945 3954

Web Address:   https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org/

31. Holiday Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ (566 reviews)

Location: 1055 Chestnut Ave Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 602 7513

30. Terramar Point

4.7 ★★★★★ (590 reviews)

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Credit: Saumil Shah, Google Maps

Location: 5399 County Hwy S21 Carlsbad CA

Web Address:   http://terra-mar-point.keeq.io/

29. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (728 reviews)

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Credit: scerruti, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln Carlsbad CA

Tel:  442 339 5042

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/48/7400

28. San Dieguito Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (728 reviews)

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Credit: Noel Meza, Google Maps

Location: 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr Del Mar CA

Tel:  858 755 2386

Web Address:   https://sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SanDieguito.html

27. The Crossings at Carlsbad

4.5 ★★★★★ (741 reviews)

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Credit: Bovlb, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 5800 The Crossings Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 444 1800

Web Address:   http://thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com/

26. Poinsettia Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (824 reviews)

Location: 6600 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 268 4784

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/44/

25. North Ponto Beach

4.6 ★★★★★ (843 reviews)

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Credit: Sam Trenholme, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 6039 6325 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 720 7001

Web Address:   http://parks.ca.gov/

24. Annie’s Canyon Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ (893 reviews)

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Credit: Mohammad Ahmed, Google Maps

Location: 498 450 Solana Hills Dr Solana Beach CA

Tel:  760 436 3944

Web Address:   https://thenaturecollective.org/location/annies-canyon-trail/

23. Sunset Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (997 reviews)

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Credit: Bill Gracey, License, Flickr

Location: 909 Puesta Del Sol San Marcos CA

Tel:  760 744 9000

22. K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities

4.6 ★★★★★ (1,050 reviews)

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Credit: K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities, Google Maps

Location: 6212 Corte Del Abeto Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 929 2225

Web Address:   https://k1speed.com/carlsbad-location.html

21. Carlsbad Strawberry Company

4.2 ★★★★☆ (1,070 reviews)

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Credit: Rob Bertholf, License, Flickr

Location: 1050 Cannon Road Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 603 9608

Web Address:   https://carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/

20. Fun Town

4.6 ★★★★★ (1,140 reviews)

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Credit: jill, jellidonut… whatever, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Web Address:   http://legoland.com/

19. Alga Norte Community Park

4.8 ★★★★★ (1,249 reviews)

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Credit: D Lyons, Google Maps

Location: 6565 Alicante Road Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 434 2826

Web Address:   https://carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10/7417

18. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

4.7 ★★★★★ (1,295 reviews)

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Credit: juanita reyes, Google Maps

Location: 8833 Harmony Grove Road Escondido CA

Tel:  760 632 4212

Web Address:   https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/

17. Double Peak Park

4.8 ★★★★★ (1,324 reviews)

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Credit: Jim Mullhaupt, License, Flickr

Location: 900 Double Peak Dr San Marcos CA

Tel:  760 744 9000- -3500

Web Address:   https://san-marcos.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/803/1080

16. Carlsbad State Beach

4.8 ★★★★★ (1,351 reviews)

Web Address:   http://parks.ca.gov/

15. Brengle Terrace Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (1,361 reviews)

Location: 1200 Vale Terrace Dr Vista CA

Tel:  760 639 6151

Web Address:   http://vistarecreation.com/

14. Boomers Vista

4.1 ★★★★☆ (1,363 reviews)

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Credit: Ken Lund, License, Flickr

Location: 1525 W Vista Way Vista CA

Tel:  760 945 9474

Web Address:   http://boomersvista.com/

13. Buccaneer Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (1,860 reviews)

Location: 1506 S Pacific Street Oceanside CA

Tel:  760 435 5041

Web Address:   http://ci.oceanside.ca.us/

12. Tamarack Surf Beach

4.7 ★★★★★ (2,051 reviews)

Web Address:   http://visitusa.com/california/beaches/orange-county/carlsbad-citybeach.htm

11. Oceanside Harbor Beach

4.7 ★★★★★ (2,219 reviews)

Web Address:   https://ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/pw/harbor/default.asp

10. SEA LIFE Aquarium

4.5 ★★★★★ (2,890 reviews)

800px-bluespotted maskray sea life

Credit: Coughdrop12, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: LEGOLAND California Resort 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 786 0034

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/california/things-to-do/sea-life-aquarium/

Our Top picks

9. Carlsbad Ranch

4.6 ★★★★★ (146 reviews)

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Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 431 0352

Web Address:   http://theflowerfields.com/

8. Museum of Making Music

4.7 ★★★★★ (598 reviews)

450px-bigsby double-neck guitar %281956%29%2c mosrite%2c harvey double-neck guitar %281957%29%2c museum of making music %28edit1%29

Credit: Bigsby double-neck guitar, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 5790 Armada Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 438 5996

Web Address:   https://museumofmakingmusic.org/

7. Miniland USA

4.7 ★★★★★ (700 reviews)

800px-miniland california %282171189230%29

Credit: jill, jellidonut… whatever, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  877 376 5346

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/theme-park/rides-attractions/miniland-usa/

6. South Carlsbad State Beach

4.6 ★★★★★ (1,044 reviews)

Web Address:   http://parks.ca.gov/

5. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

4.6 ★★★★★ (1,626 reviews)

Location: 7201 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 438 3143

Web Address:   http://parks.ca.gov/southcarlsbad

4. San Diego Botanic Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ (2,623 reviews)

Location: Quail Gardens Drive and Ecke Ranch Road Encinitas CA

Tel:  760 436 3036

Web Address:   http://sdbg.org/

3. The Flower Fields

4.6 ★★★★★ (5,202 reviews)

800px-amazing color %2c flower fields of carlsbad%2c california %2851099840431%29

Credit: moonjazz, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad CA

Tel:  760 431 0352

Web Address:   http://theflowerfields.com/

2. Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier

4.7 ★★★★★ (10,700 reviews)

Location: Pier Oceanside CA

Tel:  800 350 7873

Web Address:   http://visitoceanside.org/oceanside-pier

1. LEGOLAND California

4.5 ★★★★★ (29,123 reviews)

Location: One Legoland Dr Carlsbad CA

Tel:  888 690 5346

Web Address:   https://legoland.com/california/

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Carlsbad, California! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

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